Rim type panic exit actuator

Abstract

A panic exit door actuator and locking bolt mechanism of the rim type adapted for mounting in a horizontal position extending generally between the hinged edge and swingable edge of an exit door, wherein the locking bolt comprises a rotatable star wheel with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial arms that are successively movable by rotation of the star wheel in one direction into salient bolted positions in which they are retained against reverse rotation to an unbolted position by a spring biased latch. The plane of rotation of the star wheel is traversed by the path of relative movement of a bar type strike mounted on the associated door frame, during closing movement of the door, whereupon the strike will engage one of the arms and rotate the star wheel to bring a following arm into a latched, bolted position overlying the strike. A cam actuator that is key-controlled from one side of the door, and a push bar mounted on the panic actuator mechanism on the opposite side of the door, are selectively manually operable to move the latch to a bolt-releasing position, whereupon the door may be moved in an opening direction during which the star wheel will engage the following arm and rotate the star wheel in a reverse direction so as to move the following arm from its previous bolted position to an unbolted position.